Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Three years after the Treasure Valley's last live race and two years since going dark, Treasure Valley Racing reopened its simulcast facility at Les Bois Park in Garden City today.

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“Everybody’s been really positive about the reopening,” said TVR General Manager Doug Okuniewicz.

Beginning today and continuing each Wednesday through Saturday, simulcast wagering will take place at the clubhouse restaurant. Hundreds of thoroughbred and greyhound races will be beamed into the betting parlor from 16 tracks across the country.

Historically, Les Bois Park used to open each Kentucky Derby weekend in May, but the track's 2011 season is abbreviated, needing to wrap up before the Western Idaho Fair opens in mid August.

Dozens of thoroughbreds have already arrived at the horse barns to train for the season. Les Bois Park will host 15 races on Wednesday and Saturday throughout the summer. The track will also hold special race nights Monday, July 4, and Friday, Aug. 12, for the Idaho Cup. TVR’s lease agreement guarantees the races for the next five years.